CHILE'S NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

Yes. While it does seem like an oxymoron, Chile has hot springs. According to the Chile Cultural Heritage Association, Chile has more than 240 natural hot springs located along the Pacific "rim of fire."

They say some remain rustic pools, but others have spawned luxurious spas. Here, according to CCHA are a few of the best hot springs in Chile:

Termas Jahuel Hotel & Spa – Recently reopened after a three-year overhaul that added three beautiful new buildings that blend seamlessly with the original wooden lodge, this legendary resort clings to the side of the mountain in the tiny colonial town of San Felipe. The site was celebrated by Charles Darwin for its thermal waters and pure air. Today, there are indoor and outdoor thermal pools and a fabulous spa.

Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa – A five-hour boat ride from Puerto Chacabuco to the south, Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa may well be one of the world's most remote and profoundly secluded spas. But with indoor and outdoor hot-spring pools sprinkled throughout the property, private Jacuzzis, thalassotherapy treatments and spacious accommodations with decks that hang out over the lake and afford spectacular views of the fjord, this is one spa well worth the trip.

Termas de Chillan – This five-star resort offers some of the best skiing in South America from June through October, but the state-of-the-art spa with nine thermal pools is open year-round. For details, visit www.termaschillan.cl.

Hotel Termas de Puyehue – Only a two-hour flight from Santiago in the Andes Mountains of the Lake District of Southern Chile in the majestic natural sanctuary of Puyehue National Park, this elegant stone resort boasts two large pools, a variety of mud and sulphur baths and full menu of treatments. For details, visit www.puyehue.cl.